"I'm So Stressed My Teeth Hurt"
picture from www.emdentalgroup.com
Have you ever heard someone say this? It may sound like it's just a catchy phrase, but there is reality to it!
Clenching and grinding is a common side effect in which most if not all human beings do from time to time. Clenching and grinding is caused by a neuro-muscular response in which your jaws react at times of stress. There are four muscles of mastication (meaning muscles for eating). These muscles run through the side of your head all the way down to your jaws. Headaches, sore jaws, worn teeth, fractured, teeth, and snoring are at times side effects from your stressed out day where we internalize are problems when we sleep.
Let's talk about some of the problems that can occur during our sleep.
According to Wiki-Answers, an average bite force is anywhere from 117 lbs. to 265 lbs. Imagine, most of us can not even curl or lift this amount of weight, and our poor teeth are the victims of this pressure. With poor oral hygiene and a lack of dental monitoring, over years, this causes deterioration of our teeth. Fractures on the enamel can appear and weaken the tooth, making a root canal over even a fractured tooth imminent.
How can I stop this?
Stop this by seeing your local dentist. He will recommend the best sleep appliance for you. By going to your dentist every 6 months, we can continually monitor the wear and the damage caused by your bite. Remember that prevention is a lot cheaper and more comfortable than cure!
Robert M. Kim DDS
4665 Chino Hills Pkwy #D
